Gift guide 2012: Five records for rock and pop fans

The holiday season is a time when many rock/pop fans can count on unwrapping the kind of record sets they might not buy for themselves -- we're talking about the special edition sets and multi-CD packs. Here are five worth considering for your shopping list.

"Graceland 25th Anniversary Edition CD/DVD," Paul Simon (Columbia): This is a great way to revisit one of the most memorable pop records of the '80s, which produced such great songs as "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" and "You Can Call Me Al." This two-disc set includes the remastered original album, five bonus tracks and much more. ($14.38, www.amazon.com)

"The Essential Jefferson Airplane/Jefferson Starship/Starship" (RCA): Do you have trouble separating your Airplane from your Starship -- and remembering what incarnation of that San Francisco-spawned band recorded which song? We don't blame you, since this group has one of the most complicated histories in all of rock. But it doesn't really matter here because this two-disc set collects many of the best tracks from the numerous Airplane/Starship lineups. Thank goodness. We just want to blast "Volunteers." ($14.99, www.amazon.com)

"Grateful Dead: So Glad You Made It" (Rhino): It just wouldn't be the holiday season without a few new Grateful Dead products for fans to devour. This two-disc set is an insightful look into later-era Dead, offering 20 cuts from the group's spring 1990 tour. The collection finds the Bay Area band jamming through such favorites as "Scarlet Begonias," "Estimated Prophet" and "Playing in the Band." ($18.98, www.dead.net/store)

"The Essential Mariah Carey" (Columbia): Mariah Carey's first decade on Columbia Records (1990-99) was her best -- and here's the proof. This two-disc collection features 28 tracks -- half of which, amazingly, hit No. 1 on the charts. Included in the mix are such all-time fan favorites as "Love Takes Time," "Dreamlover," "Hero" and "One Sweet Day." ($11.88, http://mariahcarey.com/store).

"The Doors Live at the Bowl '68" (Rhino): The ultimate L.A. band was in legendary form during this hometown show at the lovely Hollywood Bowl, held on the evening after Independence Day in 1968. You want fireworks? You'll find them here as the one-and-only Jim Morrison and crew light up the night with such classics as "Five to One," "Hello, I Love You" and "Spanish Caravan." ($18.98, http://thedoors.shop.bravadousa.com).